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Packers Daily Links: D.J. Smith Placed on Injured Reserve

The Packers officially endedinside linebacker D.J. Smith's season on Wednesday by placing him on injured reserve. "The Packers did not fill Smith's roster spot, but they will probably use it for LB Frank Zombo or TE Andrew Quarless in the next three weeks," writes Tom Silverstein at JSOnline. "Both are on PUP and just became eligible to practice. They have three weeks to practice before a final decision on their status has to be made." In the meantime, attention turns to Smith's replacement(s) at inside linebacker, which could include Brad Jones, Rob Francois and Jamari Lattimore.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers landed on the Packers' injury report on Wednesday and was officially listed as a limited participant during practice with a calf injury. "Coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers would be evaluated Thursday morning before determining whether he would do more at practice Thursday than just some of the individual drills he took part in on Wednesday," writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Rodgers assured the media that the injury would not keep him out of Sunday's game against the Rams. Backup quarterback Graham Harrell got more practice time than usual with the first-team offense in Rodgers' absence.

Rookie cornerbackCasey Hayward is featured in an article by the Green Bay Press-Gazette for his solid play and possible promotion. "(Sam) Shields sustained a shin injury last week at Houston and is unlikely to play Sunday at St. Louis," writes reporter Pete Dougherty. "The Packers have three possible replacements in Hayward, Davon House and Jarrett Bush, but Hayward’s strong play, especially in the last couple weeks, makes him a strong candidate to become an every-down player while Shields is out." Hayward is receiving rave reviews after accounting for three interceptions in the past two games. It would be hard to deny him playing time at this point.

After fantastic performances Sunday against the Texans, the wide receiver trio of Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb deservedly received attention in the media on Wednesday. "Greg Jennings' rest continues," writes Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel. "It's on this trio to sustain the standard set at Reliant Stadium. They weren't thrilled answering questions about 'separation' last week. The separation has been there, Cobb said. Now, they're seeing firework results." It's hard to argue with the production of this group and the playing time they've been afforded. They're among the most dangerous weapons in the Packers' arsenal.

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Brian Carriveau is the author of "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and an editor at Cheesehead TV. To contact Brian, email [email protected].

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